In brief
In a statement released by Xinhua on November 1, 2026, UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalating drone attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children, across Sudan and the Abyei region. He called on all parties to spare civilian areas and critical infrastructure and urged immediate engagement in good‑faith mediation. The United Nations reiterated its readiness to support any sustainable political resolution that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres has publicly denounced the sudden surge of drone attacks fatally striking civilians in Sudan.
According to a statement issued by the UN’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, the attacks have already claimed the lives of hundreds of people, including women and children, in both Sudan proper and the disputed Abyei region.
He described the assaults as “catastrophic” to civilians, calling them violations of international humanitarian law.
United Nations Response
Guterres’ remarks were delivered as part of a broader appeal for the parties to the conflict to adhere to basic humanitarian principles.
“The secretary‑general is appalled by all the attacks directed against civilians and critical infrastructure, including health facilities,”
Guterres added that the UN “calls on the parties to spare the civilian population and critical infrastructure and agree without delay to a cessation of hostilities” as a first step toward resolving the conflict.
He further urged the parties to engage in good‑faith mediation efforts, emphasizing that the United Nations stands ready to support sustainable political solutions that reflect the aspirations of the Sudanese people.
The announcement follows a series of drone strikes that have intensified tensions in regions where fighting has already caused widespread displacement and destruction.
Military analysts have noted that the drones used in the attacks are likely small, low‑cost, and capable of skimming over military positions and civilian infrastructure, making them difficult to detect and counter.
Local humanitarian groups report that hospitals and other critical services have been targeted, exacerbating the already dire health situation in the area.
In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis caused by the loss of life, the attacks have disrupted supply chains, further straining a population that is already facing shortages of food and medicine.
While the UN has not indicated which factions are responsible for the drone assaults, it called for all stakeholders to maintain transparency and cooperate with investigative mechanisms.
As the conflict continues, the United Nations has stated it will continue to monitor the situation closely and mobilize resources to assist affected communities.
In a final statement, Guterres reiterated the UN’s commitment to long‑term peace, urging all sides to move promptly toward dialogue and deescalation.